Curatorial Narrative Erich Kstner’s Dagboek. Februari-Augustus 1945 (Notabene 45) occupies a pivotal position within the trajectory of abstract expressionism in the early 1960s, its creation date of 1961 marking a moment when the medium was being stretched to its limits by artists seeking to convey the intensity and chaos of post-war Europe. The artist’s use of impasto brushwork imbues the surface with a tactile quality, drawing the viewer into the intricate web of spatial relationships that comprise the composition. At larger scales, such as 44×71 inches, the chromatic structure of Kstner’s work begins to exert its influence over the surrounding environment. The stark palette of red and black on white imbues the space with an air of austerity, while the minimalist design style underscores the importance of negative space in creating a sense of spatial rhythm. As light interacts with the impasto surface, it creates areas of atmosp